Friday, January 4, 2013

Reusable Shopping Bags

As you might have read on Monday, one of my resolutions this year is to eliminate plastic shopping bags from my home. They pile up for weeks until I recycle them but even worse, I know they're environmentally un-friendly, even if I recycle. So this year, I decided to cut them out cold-turkey. In order to do that, I needed to get my reusable bags lined up and ready for use. I have several reusable bags accumulated already (you can get these free throughout the year from different stores!) but I wanted to get a few more for those bigger shopping trips. I bought some tote bags last year on clearance and they've sat in my craft drawer until now.

I used the Silhouette to cut out a stencil on freezer paper and then I ironed it onto the bag.

I ironed the bag before I did this step but it didn't actually take, given the wrinkles in the photo. In the end, it didn't really make a difference.I used some acrylic paint that was safe for fabric and painted away...

And then let it dry before peeling off the freezer paper... I love how they turned out!

I loved it so much, I made one for my son's teacher too... 'tis the season of giving. Or it was, anyway.

So now, I'm ready to shop with my reusable bags. And don't forget, if I don't bring home any plastic bags all of January, I get to buy myself a little treat to organize those groceries in the trunk:

Whole Foods have great bags and they use recycled material. Plus they replace them if they rip or tear. Not bad for .99m which is the cheapest thing in their store btw :)

I always keep my bags in the trunk and pull them out before I go into the store. For most of my purchases, I just tell them I don't want a bag. Besides if you have to carry what you purchase, you typically buy less!

Super Cute! I love your resolutions. We have been using the reusables for years, thankfully our grocery has a big sign that says "Did you leave your bags in the car". I also keep one that is made from an old t-shirt in my purse, doesn't take up much room and is really stretchy.